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Kansas License Plate Search

Vehicles in Kansas must be registered with the Department of Revenue. This applies to both owners of new vehicles and new residents to Kansas.

When you apply for a new plate, you can choose from a range of specialty license plates and personalized styles.

Sample Kansas License Plate

How to Apply for Driver’s License in Kansas

If you’re a new resident of Kansas or you have just purchase a new vehicle, you must register your vehicle at the Department of Revenue (DOR).

Types of License Plates in Kansas

When you are applying for a license plate in Kansas, you have the choice between:

Standard License Plates Issued by the State (i.e. the light blue background with the state’s seal and dark blue characters)

Specialized Plates for Organizations, Charities, and Other Associations

Personalized Plates

Those with a disability may be qualified to apply for disability license plates. These license plates allow those to park in handicapped zones through the state.

Additionally, there are also temporary plates which allows you to drive your vehicle legally while your plates are being processed or between purchasing a vehicle and driving it to the registration office.

You must register your vehicle within 90 days of moving to the state; and, within 60 days of purchasing a new vehicle.

Note: Temporary plates are valid for 60 days and they cannot be renewed.

Types of Specialty Plates in Kansas

For some of these specialty Kansas license plates, you may require additional documentation to see if you are eligible. Others, may require additional fees that serve as a donation for charitable causes. Here’s a brief list of specialty license plates available in Kansas:

Military License Plates

Ex Prisoners of War License Plates

Vietnam Veterans License Plates

U.S. Military Veterans License Plates

Charitable Organizations License Plates

Children’s Trust Fund License Plates

Breast Cancer Research & Outreach License Plates

Educational or Alumni License Plates

Wichita State University License Plates

Kansas State University Alumni License Plates

Profession License Plates

EMT License Plates

Firefighter License Plates

Personalizing License Plates in Kansas

Kansas allows for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles weighing up to 20 000 lbs to have personalized license plates. Here’s a few guidelines to follow for personalizing your Kansas license plate:

Must have up to 7 characters (5 characters for disabled and motorcycle plates)

Can only use numbers, letters, and spaces (no special characters)

Do not use vulgar or inappropriate words

You should research by looking up available plate numbers before going to the DOR office and applying for the plates you want.

The cost for personalized plates in Kansas is $45.50 which is valid for 5 years. You are still required to pay for additional registration fees and your usual renewal fees.

Receiving License Plates in Kansas

Once you have successfully obtained the license plates for your vehicle, you must place the registration decal on the corner. It must be clearly visible and should it fall off or get lost, you must replace it right away.

Renewing License Plates in Kansas

Kansas makes the process of renewing license plates quick and easy. You can visit the office in person, or renew your license plates online or by mail.

You’ll promptly receive a new decal sticker which you can place over the old one. Don’t forget to renew your registration in advance of your expiration to avoid any unwanted late fees.

Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License Plates in Kansas

In the event that your decals or license plates are stolen, you must file a police report right away. When you are applying for a replacement, you will require to show the police report to the DOR.

Here’s what you’ll need for replacing a stolen license plate:

Completed Form TR-211

Copy of Police Report

Vehicle and personal documentation

Payment for applicable fees:

$2 for new license plate*

$0.50 for new decals*

*Note: fees vary by county within the state of Kansas.

If your plates are damaged, you can bring then in and get them replaced for new ones. You must also fill out the same form for replacing your Kansas license plate.

When to Surrender Kansas License Plates

You may have to surrender your plates if you upgrade to personalized or specialty plates. As well, if you sell or give away your car and no longer need your license plates, you should surrender them to the DOR.

You can send them in by mail or deliver them in person. An alternative to surrendering your plates in Arkansas includes recycling them so that they cannot be used again.

How to Transfer License Plates in Kansas

When you purchase a new vehicle, you are permitted to transfer your license plates over. Transferring plates in Kansas is quite simple and all you need is the following: